Economics (ECON)

Courses

ECON 102. Economics of the Modern World. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the study of economics that examines economic systems, global interdependence, and provides an orientation to economic concepts. Among the topics included are competitiveness of markets, measures of economic output, structure of the U.S. financial system, and global trade, as well as types of failure within economic systems, social equity and economic justice. Emphasis is placed upon problems, current issues, and the rationale for economic policy.
Fall and Spring.

ECON 202. Macro Economic Analysis. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the behavior of our economy in the aggregate, focusing upon the process by which the economy achieves a certain level of output and employment.
P: None. REC: ECON 102
Fall and Spring.

ECON 203. Micro Economic Analysis. 3 Credits.

The decision-making processes of individuals and business firms associated with the determination of what products will be produced, how they will be produced, and what prices specific goods and services will command.
P: None. REC: ECON 102
Fall and Spring.

ECON 208. Economics WTCS Bridge. 3 Credits.

An examination of the decision-making processes of individuals and business firms associated with the determination of what products will be produced, how they will be produced, and what prices specific goods and services will command. This examination leads into the behavior of our economy in aggregate, focusing upon processes by which the economy measures, attains, and influences overall output, employment, and prices.
P: ECON 209
Fall and Spring.

ECON 209. WTCS Transfer Credit. 3 Credits.

This course is a transfer destination course for WTCS 10-809-195 and is a requirement to enroll into the ECON 208 Economics WTCS Bridge course.
Fall and Spring.

ECON 210. Quantitative Methods for Economics and Business. 3 Credits.

Economists and businesses utilize quantitative techniques to both express abstract concepts and to bring such concepts to real life through application. Logically consistent models are constructed using mathematical tools. This course is introductory. Its purpose is to introduce students to the application of quantitative methods and develop their skills in the usage of such methods. Topics will range from basic mathematical principles to specific sub-components of more advanced mathematics courses, topics having application to economic optimization problems, calculation of total values, marginal analysis, and present/future values for economic decision making.
P: University Math competency
Fall Only.

ECON 298. Independent Study. 1-4 Credits.

Independent study is offered on an individual basis at the student's request and consists of a program of learning activities planned in consultation with a faculty member. A student wishing to study or conduct research in an area not represented in available scheduled courses should develop a preliminary proposal and seek the sponsorship of a faculty member. The student's advisor can direct him or her to instructors with appropriate interests. A written report or equivalent is required for evaluation, and a short title describing the program must be sent early inthe semester to the registrar for entry on the student's transcript.
P: fr or so st with cum gpa > or = 2.50; or jr or sr st with cum gpa > or = 2.00.

ECON 299. Travel Course. 1-6 Credits.

Travel courses are conducted to various parts of the world and are led by one or more faculty members. May be repeated to different locations.
P: cons of instr & prior trip arr & financial deposit.

ECON 302. Intermediate Macro Economic Theory. 3 Credits.

Theories of national income distribution as a basis for an examination of policy proposals to deal with inflation, unemployment, economic fluctuations and economic growth at national and international levels. This course has been identified as a Cofrin School of Business High Impact Practice (HIP) course. HIPs are rigorous courses that include engaging teaching methods such as regular feedback, peer and faculty interaction, structured reflection, and application of knowledge.
P: ECON 202.
Fall Only.

ECON 303. Intermediate Micro Economic Theory. 3 Credits.

Theories used in explaining the behavior of consumers and producers in choices relating to the production, exchange and distribution of output.
P: ECON 203.
Spring.

ECON 305. Environmental Economics. 3 Credits.

Examines 1) the economic rationale for policy, 2) the various types of policy approaches used, and 3) alternative policy options for managing the development and sustainable use of natural resources (broadly defined to include environmental resources). Particular attention is paid to the longer time horizon required for sustainability and maintenance of quality ecosystems, a necessary condition, or precursor, to having a dynamic and vibrant economic system over time.
P: ECON 102 or ECON 202 or ECON 203
Fall Only.

ECON 310. Introduction to Econometrics. 3 Credits.

An introduction to econometric techniques in the analysis of economic phenomena that incorporates the use of mathematical and statistical tools.
P: ECON 202 or ECON 203; ECON 210 or MATH 202; and BUSAN 220 or COMM SCI 205 or MATH 260
Spring.

ECON 330. Money, Banking and Financial Markets. 3 Credits.

Analysis of money as an economic institution, the organizational structure of the commercial and central banking system, and its functioning in the U.S.; monetary theory and policy in the national and international setting. The course will also examine key financial markets such as the bond, stock, and foreign exchange markets. In addition, the course will provide an introduction to the role of other key financial institutions such as insurance companies, securities firms, and government-sponsored financial enterprises. This course has been identified as a Cofrin School of Business High Impact Practice (HIP) course. HIPs are rigorous courses that include engaging teaching methods such as regular feedback, peer and faculty interaction, structured reflection, and application of knowledge.
P: ECON 102 or ECON 202 (strongly preferred) or ECON 203, and overall GPA of 2.5 or higher
Fall and Spring.

ECON 340. Economics of Land Use. 3 Credits.

Economic relationships between humans and land. Principles governing land use and conservation and the institutional arrangements of this basic resource. Application of principles in policy-making in land valuation, taxation and zoning in the context of regional economic development.
Spring.

ECON 403. International Economics and Finance. 3 Credits.

Theory and concepts of international trade and finance; contemporary conditions and problems in international economic relations.
P: ECON 202 and ECON 203 and jr st.
Spring.

ECON 409. Public Finance and Fiscal Policy. 3 Credits.

Effects of government spending and taxation on resource allocation, incomes, prices and employment. Includes consideration of the uses and effects of fiscal policy.
P: ECON 203
Fall Only.

ECON 453. Cost Benefit Analysis. 3 Credits.

Application of tools and concepts in current economic decision making, with special emphasis upon Natural Resource management, environmental problems, market failure, and public policy approaches.
P: Completion of 53 credits (Junior status) or permission of instructor. REC: ECON 102, ECON 202, or ECON 203
Spring.

ECON 478. Honors in the Major. 3 Credits.

Honors in the Major is designed to recognize student excellence within interdisciplinary and disciplinary academic programs.
P: min 3.50 all cses req for major and min gpa 3.75 all UL cses req for major.
Fall and Spring.

ECON 485. Managerial Economics. 3 Credits.

Applications of the basic theoretical tools of micro- and macro-economic analysis to the problems of business management, including such topics as demand, production, costs, pricing and forecasting as well as current economic issues such as environmental policies and regulations.
P: ECON 202 and ECON 203
Fall Only.

ECON 495. Teaching Assistantship. 1-6 Credits.

The student and supervising teacher must prepare a statement that identifies the course with which the assistantship will happen, objectives for the assistantship, and expectations in order to fulfill the course objectives. Students are not eligible to receive credit in both the course they assist the instructor with and the teaching assistantship in the same semester. Typically student has previously taken the course prior to enrollment in the assistantship. Course is repeatable for credit.
Fall and Spring.

ECON 496. Project/Research Assistantship. 1-6 Credits.

The student must prepare a research proposal, and both parties should identify the research arrangement and how the student will complete the work to fulfill the course objectives within the assigned term.
Fall and Spring.

ECON 497. Internship. 1-12 Credits.

Supervised practical experience in an organization or activity appropriate to a student's career and educational interests. Internships are supervised by faculty members and require periodic student/faculty meetings. Course is repeatable for credit.
P: jr st.
Fall and Spring.

ECON 498. Independent Study. 1-4 Credits.

Independent study is offered on an individual basis at the student's request and consists of a program of learning activities planned in consultation with a faculty member. A student wishing to study or conduct research in an area not represented in available scheduled courses should develop a preliminary proposal and seek the sponsorship of a faculty member. The student's advisor can direct him or her to instructors with appropriate interests. A written report or equivalent is required for evaluation, and a short title describing the program must be sent early in the semester to the registrar for entry on the student's transcript. Course is repeatable for credit.
P: fr or so st with cum gpa > or = 2.50; or jr or sr st with cum gpa > or = 2.00.
Fall and Spring.

ECON 499. Travel Course. 1-6 Credits.

Travel courses are conducted to various parts of the world and are led by one or more faculty members. May be repeated to different locations.
P: cons of instr & prior trip arr & financial deposit.